Bogura Correspondent:

Fertiliser prices in northern districts including Sirajganj and Bogura spiked by around 20 per cent this ongoing Aman season, frustrating farmers.

The government fixed the prices of urea and di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) at Tk 1,350 a maund, but fertiliser traders at different upazilas have been selling it at Tk 1600-1700 a maund.

Such a price hike might affect the production of different rice varieties, ultimately leading to a surge in the prices of the staple.

Sirajganj and Bogura agriculture offices repeatedly claimed there are no shortages of fertilizers.

The higher prices are particularly acute in Raiganj, Tarash, Ullapara, Shahzadpur, Chowhali, Belkuchi, Kazipur and Sirajganj Sadar upazila in Sirajganj district and Sherpur, Kahaloo, Nandigram, Gabtoli, Bogura Sadar and Dhunat upazila in Bogura district.

Bogura administration has conducted drives across 12 upazilas in the past week, fining 30 individuals Tk 30,000 each and seizing 102,000 bags of fertiliser, which were later sold through auctions.

According to the sources of Bogura Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) office, five syndicates led by five dealers are manipulating the fertiliser trade in Bogura.

These syndicates, linked with 163 dealers licensed under Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) and Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC), are buying delivery orders (DOs) and controlling the supply.

Data from the Bogura Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) shows that 185,552 hectares of land has been targetted for Aman cultivation this year, with plantations already completed on 185,492 hectares. Last year, cultivation covered 193,000 hectares.

Abu ali of Sherpur told journalist that he is a small farmer and such rise in fertiliser prices will be a huge burden for him.

He said he usually cultivate by borrowing from NGOs. “My borrowing will increase,” he added.

Experts say that unscrupulous dealers are creating an artificial crisis amid peak demand for fertiliser.

Thousands of marginal farmers who buy in small quantities have become victims of the higher prices.

Urea and triple superphosphate (TSP) — officially priced at Tk 27 per kg-are selling for Tk 30-32. Muriate of potash (MOP) is supposed to be Tk 21 per kg, but sells for Tk 25 and DAP is being sold at Tk 25 instead of Tk 22.

Abdul Aziz, proprietor of Messrs Nihar Traders in Shibganj upazila, said, “This month (August), I received 73 metric tonnes of fertiliser. I’m selling ‘Kappu’ (the nickname of a fertiliser named after BADC) bags at Tk 1,370, while the government price is Tk 1,350-a Tk 20 difference. But retailers buy from us through various tactics and resell at much higher prices.”

Bogura DAE Deputy Director Sohel Md. Shamsuddin Firoz said, 29,042 metric tonnes of urea are required for Aman cultivation on 185,000 hectares.

“We have adequate supply. Similarly, TSP/DAP, MOP, gypsum, zinc sulfate, and organic fertilisers are available in adequate amounts”.

Replying to questions, he said there is no reason for a shortage and they are taking strict action against some dishonest traders who engage in corruption.